If you have red, swollen, or bleeding gums, you may be developing periodontitis or gum disease. This condition is caused by the infection of gum tissue. Plaque that infects the gums can inflame them and cause bleeding. As gum infection progresses, pockets can form between teeth, loosening them or causing them to fall out. Dr. Jim Lassiter and his team treat gum disease in Jay, FL.
Gum Disease: Causes and Symptoms
Common causes of gum disease include:
- Smoking
- Tobacco Use
- Improper oral hygiene
- Certain medications
There are also many signs of periodontitis to look out for:
- Swollen gums
- Bad breath (Halitosis)
- Toothaches
- Bleeding gums
- Mouth sores
- Gum swelling
- Receding gums
- Loose teeth
Call 850.427.5891 if you have noticed any of these symptoms arise. It is important to receive periodontal treatment before symptoms worsen.
Periodontal Therapy Treatments
Antibiotics can help remove bacteria that cause infection, but when an infection is severe they may not be enough. Periodontitis can be treated through these common surgical and non-surgical methods:
Scaling and Root Planing: These two separate treatments are often used in combination to help clean gums and treat gum inflammation. Scaling is a deep cleaning treatment that goes beneath the gum line to remove plaque and tartar. Root planing smooths out tooth roots to help gums reattach to teeth.
Gum graft surgery: During this surgical procedure, the tissue is taken from another part of the mouth and used to cover tooth roots. In the later stages of periodontitis, tooth loss can be prevented with gum grafting.
Flap surgery: The gums are lifted and tartar is cleaned from beneath them during flap surgery. This treatment can address deep gum pockets.
If you have chronic gum disease or a condition like diabetes that comes with unique dental concerns, our team will work with you to personalize your care further. Routine checkups and dental care can be vital to ensuring the health of teeth and gums.
Call Us Today
Dr. Jim Lassiter is a dentist in Jay, FL that provides gum disease treatment to his patients. Contact Dr. Lassiter and his dental staff by calling 850.427.5891. You may also request an appointment in Dr. Lassiter’s office. We aim to provide a friendly office environment that puts our patient’s minds at ease. Our goal is to ensure that our patients are as comfortable as possible during their treatment.